Windows 7: Can't play any music files, error 0x80070057

today I tried to play some audiobook recorded by a friend of mine, and foobar2000 spat out this:



at first I thought it was problem with the file itself, but then I found out that I can't play any .mp3 files because of the said error. I also tried WMP, MediaMonkey and Media Go - none of them was able to play anything. hovewer, I get normal sound output while playing YouTube video, I also hear every OS sound.
I've tried reverting back to the system restore point from the day before yesterday, and the problem's still here.

Hi go to device manager and can you take a print screen please?

any other section that I should make visible or just the sound devices?

It sounds like you may have a Digital Rights Management (DRM) problem.

Is your Machine's programs, and OS fully up-to-date? I ask because WMP won't play.


See if the instructions here: Error code 0x80070057 - "Parameter is incorrect" | Washington County Cooperative Library Services help. You may want to print them first before proceeding.


Unless you have Overdrive (OD), you will have to replace it with the comparable Foobar2000 (FB2) item.

Follow the first seven steps to unhide protected system files.
Then follow the instructions for Vista or Windows 7.

Use FB2's media console instead of OD's when following steps #9, and 10.
This should fix WMP, and FB2, but you may have to follow these instructions with MediaMonkey, and Media Go.

I was just going to suggest this ! ^_^ ill leave it too you... GL op im off to help the universe

I don't use Overdrive software. I tried to perform WMP security upgrade (the first time I've used IE on this computer ), but the problem is still there.
none of the files I'm trying to play are DRM-protected, if it's relevant :S

Since you mentioned FB2, I didn't think you did, that's why I adjusted the instructions to use FB2 in place of OD.

You "tried"? to perform the upgrade? What happened? Did it work or was the button grayed out?

Use this site: Windows Media Player Security Component Upgrade Fix (DRM) to check your SU, and if all your Active X controls are working properly.

It also has some different steps to try below the Active X Link.

Even if you believe the files are not protected they may have had a DRM slipped in.
See here on how to check to be sure: Windows 7: How to Check If a Video or Music File is DRM Protected It will also check audio files.


I failed to mention earlier that,

• You should restart your machine after the security upgrade (SU), it doesn't require it in the instructions, but I would do it.

• The SU should be compatible with your geographical location.

• Those four files should be recreated after the upgrade/restart.

• If the audiobook still won't play, it may be because it has a different DRM country code than yours. It's all about copyrights anymore.

I have to go for a while, I will check back later.

I expressed myself in a wrong way. I did update the security component (or at least the site claims it was completed) but the problem is still there.
I've checked the files for DRM protection according to the link you've provided; none of them is protected (and I doubt a friend of mine would protect in that way his audiobook, i.e. the record of his own voice, that he wished to share with me).
I've restarted the system and no, the files weren't recreated, even though the Microsoft site says the upgrade was completed.
the ActiveX is fine according to the site you gave me link to.

what extension is the file ?

.mp3. none of my .mp3 files that I used to be able to play can be played now, the same is with .cda files from original CD and with .flac files too.